Suv Camping Everything You Need To Know
Want to avoid hunting for campgrounds while on the road? Want to have go-anywhere and sleep-anywhere convenience? Want to save money on camping gear and fees? SUV camping may be for you!
Everyone know that SUVs are great for camping. Theyre roomy, comfortable, and built to handle back roads as well as highways.
But if you really want to get the most out of your SUV you can turn your SUV into a mobile, always-ready camper.
Making an SUV camper isnt as strange, or as hard, as it might sound. And SUV camping has become a popular trend.
Yet, many SUV owners dont know they can turn any SUV into your very own camper very easily or where to get started. This page will give be your guide to everything you need to know about SUV camping.
Who Is Suv Camping For
SUV campers can be practical for almost anyone. However, they are particularly suited for a few types of people including
- People who love the comfort of having a bed, and prefer not to sleep on the ground.
- People who want the independence of not having to search for a campground or other place to sleep, regardless of time or weather.
- Budget-conscious people, who want a camper but dont want to go the expense since they can cost quite a lot.
Best Cars To Sleep In Final Thoughts
The best cars to sleep in will obviously be larger cars in which you are able to have enough space to lie down flat. This means the most important thing to consider is if the seats fold down properly!
Once you have established this, its all about the setup. You need to prepare correctly, get the right gear, and follow our top tips to ensure safety and comfort.
If you want a quick read, you can check out our sleeping in the car tips article. If you are looking at car camping for an extended period of time you can check out our ultimate guide to sleeping in the car.
This guide covers everything you need to set up a vehicle for car camping and ensure you know what you are doing.
If you have any suggestions please let us know in the comments. What do you think is the best car for sleeping in?
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What Are The Advantages Of An Suv Tent
Many SUVs and crossover tents can detach from the back of the vehicle, so buyers may wonder why they don’t just purchase a cheaper stand-alone tent. However, stand-alone tents don’t offer the same protection from the elements or animals as SUV tents because SUV tents allow individuals to enter the vehicle without going outside. They also allow more room for gear or sleeping in the SUV off the ground instead of on the tent floor.
Individuals and families use SUV tents for various reasons, but the most common are the weatherproof vehicle access, added comfort, and additional space.
The 9 Best Vehicles For Car Campers & Nature Lovers
One of the best reasons to have a car is to get outdoors and see some of the very best scenery and nature. Car camping is popular and is a practical way of providing shelter and being able to experience the outdoors. But which vehicle is best suited for this activity so you have space and can enjoy your time in nature.
What Does Car Camping Mean?
So you can consider the type of vehicle you need, understanding what car camping is will help you create a shortlist. Car camping means you do one of two things. Either you drive right up to the place you plan to stay and pitch your tent. Or, you camp in your vehicle. Thats why you need to consider aspects like size, space for equipment and where you will prepare food.
Types of Vehicle for Car Camping
Subaru Forester
A Subaru Forester is spacious and has an all-wheel-drive system. It has 8.7-inch floor clearance, making it practical for off-road locations. The back seats fold flat, so you can place a mattress inside for sleeping. The legroom is spacious, making it easy to get in and out and comfortable when traveling. Theres also built-in Wi-Fi and LED lighting and a touch screen. Premium models have hill descent control built-in.
2019 Ford Flex
SUVs and 4x4s
Toyota 4Runner
Ford Bronco
2021 Volkswagen Golf
Toyota Prius
Jeep Wrangler
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Outback
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Best Cars To Sleep In Rentals
When you choose to sleep in a rental car you will need to hire a bigger vehicle. These are generally more expensive so you should read our article on rental car tips to make sure you get a fair deal.
You can also check out our ultimate guide on the best places to sleep in your car for advice on making it as safe and comfortable as possible.
Dont even bother renting a sedan as it will be very uncomfortable. It is, of course, possible, but not recommended!
An estate/wagon will usually be cheaper than a large SUV or 4X4 but should still have the length to allow you to lie down once the seats are flat. If you have the budget then a large SUV will often be the most comfortable as there will also be enough room for all your belongings.
Before you take any vehicle make sure the seats fold down flat!
- Best Choice A large SUV
- Secondary Choice A budget wagon
- Budget Option Research any small cars you are considering for their boot capacity and foldable seats
What Suvs Can You Sleep In
There is no shortage of crossovers with space enough to accommodate an adult, or two or three, lying down. Most modern SUVs allow you to fold the rear seats flat, creating a level surface on which to place cargo, or people if that is your desire. Larger machines, like the Kia Telluride or Ford Expedition, are obviously more spacious inside, but even compact crossovers supply more than enough room for a couple of adults. And dont worry, there will still be enough room for some personal boundaries if you and your buddy are not quite so intimately acquainted.
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Why The Chevrolet Suburban Is The Best Suv For A Camping
The number one reason a Chevrolet Suburban is the best SUV for camping is the space created when you remove the rear seats and fold down the middle seats, which results in a flat and lengthy platform for sleeping comfortably and plenty of space for transporting all the camping gear you need to go anywhere and camp for free.
Over the years, the Suburban has consistently been the longest SUV in its class and it is a very versatile vehicle. You can transport several people, haul a lot of stuff inside, and on top, and it has plenty of power to tow something fun behind it . With the four-wheel drive option, which I highly recommend, it is enables you to go just about anywhere for SUV camping.
It is also a reliable vehicle with a very reasonable cost to maintain. It ranks high on longevity lists for both years in service and total miles driven. Given the fact that it is built on the same or similar platform as the Chevy Tahoe and Silverado along with the GMC Yukon and Sierra means parts are plentiful and affordable. The engine design is simple, so there are plenty of people who know how to perform repairs, and they are fairly easy to work on yourself, if you choose. It is also important to note it is the longest continuously used automobile nameplate in production. To learn more facts like this check out the Wikipedia page.
Also, for some good perspective, here is a comparison of the Suburban vs. its competition in 2000.
Pontiac Aztek: Ugly But Capable
So the worlds ugliest car doubles up as the worlds top 10 camping-car as well. While looking at it first thing in the morning when the sun hit your eyes could be detrimental to your mental balance, in the long run, it is a crafty camping-car full of sneaky features. Like a swing-open tailgate, and a center console that doubles up as a cooler.
The camping package it came with also included an air compressor, an air mattress, and an attachable tent. A 10-speaker music system and plenty of cargo space it was the perfect camper if only it looked a little better.
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Scion Xb: Boxy But Able
Okay, this toaster-on-wheels offended almost as many people with its boxy design than it charmed, or maybe the former exceeded the latter. Whatever said and done, the Scion xB had one very strong point in its defense. And that was its EPA-rated 32mpg gas mileage.
Things just dont get better than this especially if you choose economy over good looks. Forget aerodynamics, the squarish design ensured you could fit in just about anything unwieldy and ungainly into these cars, over and above the other smoother-looking models. While this may not have been your go-t0 city car, it made so much sense as a camping vehicle.
Dont Forget The Ten Essentials Of Camping And Hiking
Now that you know which trucks and SUVs could make your camping trip more enjoyable, you want to pack up and head out into the wilderness. Just remember to take long the 10 Essentials. These are explained in detail by Voyageur Tripper. Basically, they ensure you have everything you need to survive in the wilderness.
Have fun and happy camping.
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Best Suv For Camper Conversion
SUV is one of the best vehicles for traveling. It is not only because of the powerful engine but also because it tends to have a spacious interior. Thats why travelers often also use their SUVs for a camper.
Check the list of the best SUV for camper conversion below to get the most suitable one.
Best Hybrid Suvs For Camping Trips
With increasing gas prices and focus on our environment, the demand for hybrid SUVs is on the rise. Just because you bought a hybrid SUV doesnt mean you have to sacrifice those family camping trips, though.
Today were sharing a few hybrid SUVs that will make getting to that next family camping trip a breeze.
Lets check them out!
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The Cargo Space Champions
The best cars for camping might not always be cars youll end up sleeping in. Often, one of the top complaints we hear about camping vehicles is that there just isnt enough room in some traditional crossovers or SUVs. Indeed, if youre planning to camp with more than a couple of friends, packing can be the hardest part of the trip. The following cars for camping solve the Rubiks-cube-trunk problem by eliminating it entirely.
Honda Element: In Its Element
What can we say about this giant-sized SUV? There isnt a car better made for camping to date. Sure, it may not top in luxury or looks but can you beat its washable floors and stain-resistant seats? The boxy looks of the Honda Element may turn off some, but are perfect to carry large camping equipment like coolers, cooking or barbecuing stuff and whatever else you just need to have for your trip.
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The all-wheel-drive can take the Element through dirt roads with ease, and theres a 6-person tent that Honda offers as an added attachment. Enchanting, right? If you dont like the tent, the seats can also be removed to sleep people inside the car.
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What Are The Best Types Of Suvs For Camping
Several SUVs and crossovers have become the go-to option for camper conversions. The type of buildout or supplies you want may depend on the size of the rear areas of these vehicles. Some of the top choices include:
- Subaru Outback or Forester
When turning an SUV into a camper, you can go as fundamental as you want. A basic conversion of an SUV only requires you to add a mattress for sleeping and some bedding. In addition, a cooler, portable battery, and camp stove would make traveling more comfortable and give you more independence. Blackout curtains or screens will give you both daytime and nighttime privacy.
Youtuber This Girl Hikes lives in a small and simple converted SUV
SUV owners such as Christine of This Girl Hikes, travels full-time out of her Subaru Forester XT with a minimal conversion. Her back seats and trunk are lowered and covered with a tri-fold mattress. She levels out the uneven space created by her folded down back seats with her camp table.
She also added a Yeti cooler, camp stove, and portable power station to the back. She stores backpacking and hiking gear in a Thule cargo carrier on the Subaru roof. Thats it. No complicated build-out or cabinetry skills needed.
A simple setup from Tristan of SUV RVing
You can also upgrade your basic conversion to something a little more creative. Tristan of SUV RVing might just be the epitome of how to think outside the proverbial RV box. Tristan travels extensively in his Toyota RAV4 SUV camper.
Is Car Camping Real Camping
Car camping simply means that you load up all of your gear for the trip in your car, pull into your campsite, and set up your tent on a designated tent pad. Car camping is typically done at state and local parks around the US, or you can find your own camp sites in areas that allow dispersed camping.
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Recommended Rental Cars For Sleeping In
- Estate Cheaper but less room and luggage storage
- SUV Great option and the main choice
- Minivan/People Carrier The best option if available and affordable but ensure the seats fold down
A Chevrolet Suburban is perfect but you can also consider smaller SUVs like a Ford Explorer or Volvo CX90.
Some companies also offer Nissan Rogue or Toyota RAV4 which would be good too.
Always remember to consider fuel efficiency as this can make up a large part of your expenses and is one of the best ways to save money on a road trip.
As rental cars are often new with high liability make sure you park in a safe area where its unlikely you will encounter any trouble. Also if you are planning to drive off-road be careful as your insurance may be invalidated.
I use RentalCars when Im going to hire a vehicle.
Question: Why Is Suv Camping Popular
Large SUVs and vans are better for comfortable sleep with more space, but compact SUVs are also gaining popularity among car campers with more customized design, larger interior space and additional accessories needed for sleeping, a Hyundai Motor public relations official said.
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Land Rover Defender 110
When you want to reach some of the deepest parts of the wilderness, the Land Rover Defender is one of the best SUVs for camping. This vehicle can reach areas that other models cant even think of heading toward. The interior space with the rear seats folded only measures 58,3 cubic feet, but if yours has a roof rack, youve got extra storage on top of the vehicle. When you need to tow, this Land Rover can get the job done with ease.
Is The Rav4 Good For Camping
If you plan on towing your camping equipment, youll be delighted to know that the RAV4 Adventure has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is an increase over the previous model. With all of these amenities and more, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is the ideal vehicle for a camping vacation with the whole family.
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Shopping For A Used Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport debuted last year and hasnt changed much for 2022, so a used 2021 model will be nearly identical.
- Good for Off-Roading?: Yes
- Why Its Good for Camping: Massive 10.8 inches of ground clearance
- What We Like: Iconic off-roader convertible top 4 engine choices ranging from 285-470 hp plug-in hybrid option endless customization good starting price fun fun fun
- What We Dont: Not practical poor mpg so-so crash tests scores not as comfortable as most
Few vehicles are more intrinsically linked to the outdoors than the Wrangler. With standard four-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance, the Wrangler will get you to the most remote campsites. The removable/retractable roof and removable doors mean you can experience even more of the Great Outdoors.
The Wrangler Unlimited has 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Dropping the rear bench increases that figure to 72.4 cubic feet. There are smaller, more affordable SUVs with more cargo space, and the roll bars may cut into usable space. Luckily, there is a massive ecosystem of aftermarket parts for Wranglers, including cargo racks. If you need even more space, check out the Jeep Gladiator pickup, which features a dedicated 5-foot bed.
Hybrid Suvs For Adventure
It seems each year, an growing number of people desire fuel efficiency and low emissions, as well as adventure. So, more and more vehicle manufacturers are jumping on board the hybrid bandwagon. These five hybrid SUVs are excellent options for your next camping trip.
Pro Tip: Before you choose you next vehicle, make sure you know how to find towing capacity for your truck or SUV.
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